Overview
Being one of the largest countries in the world, the US has a wide variety of weather, ethnicity, food, culture, and so on. Citizens of most countries require a US Visa to enter the country. As a result, you will require a US visa for Indian citizens as well.
People travelling from countries that are not eligible for visa-free travel to the United States under the VWP ( Visa Waiver Program) require a permit to enter the USA. The visa comes in the form of a stamp in your passport. The validity, however, depends on the officer issuing the permit. Based on your profile, this can vary from 6 months to a maximum of 10 years. They are of two types – Immigration, and Non-Immigration Visa. Since the latter involves permanent residency visas and most US Visa application from India involve temporary stay, through this guide, the Non-Immigrant Visa (NIV) will be discussed.
USA VISA IN DEATILS
United State of America-USA Visa Types
Based on the purpose and eligibility of visit, there are a number of Non-Immigrant visas issued to enter the USA. The most common US Visa types applied from India are as follows –
US Tourist Visa: – B2 – This type is issued when an individual is visiting the country for purposes such as on holidays, visiting friends or family, etc.
US Business Visa: – B1 – The business permit is issued to travellers who visit the country for business meetings, conferences, and other business-related activities. Even though the US visa application for B1 and B2 have different documentation and eligibilty, the visa is issued as a B1/B2 visa.
US Student Visa: F1 – This is issued only for students entering the country for the purpose of education.
US Work Visa: H1-B, L1, J1,I,P – These categories are issued to individuals who enter the country to perform various kinds of work. Based on the type of work, and the individual case, one can apply for any one of these visas.
US Dependent Visa: H4, F2, L2, etc – The dependents such as a spouse, children of individuals possessing other US Visa are issued the Dependent permit.
Trainee Visa: H3 – This type is issued for people attending non-employment training programs in the USA.
Media and Journalists Visa: I – Issued for information media personnel travelling for work purposes.
Artists,/Entertainers/Athletes Visa: P – This is issued for the athletes, artists, or entertainers travelling as a part of work or project.
Extraordinary Ability Visa: O1 – Issued for people possessing extraordinary abilities in the field of science, sports, arts, business, etc.
Exchange visitor: J1 – This is for individuals visiting the US as a part of an exchange program.
Intracompany transferees: L1 – This is for employees that are sent to the branch/subsidiary/parent company in the US as a part of the transfer.
US Transit Visa: C1 – This is issued for individuals travelling through the US as a part of a transit journey.
Crew: D – This is for members travelling as a crew of aircraft or ship. Similar to B1/B2, despite the different US visa application for C1 and D, the permit is issued in the form of C1/D Visa.
Documents required
As per the US visa rules for Indians, the documents for the application of the visa application submission vary based on the type. Each type has documents pertaining to it. However, the basic documents according to the US Visa document requirements for Indian citizens are as follows-
1.A passport valid for at least 6 months from the date of intended travel
2.Two photos
3.DS-160 application confirmation page
4.Visa fees payment receipt
5.Proof of purpose of visit
6.Proof of employment/study
7.Proof of financial means